family activities
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree These 16 farms in nearby New Jersey are our top picks for finding the perfect tree! BY BARBARA RUSSO
S
ure, you can head to a local shop and pick out a pre-cut Christmas tree, but why not make a day out of it? Head over to one of the many tree farms in New Jersey and enjoy some holiday fun walking through a Christmas tree winter wonderland! Cut your own tree—or pick out a pre-cut beauty—and indulge in decadent hot chocolate as you enjoy the spirit of the season. As with any outing, it’s best to call in advance to confirm availability, hours, and COVID-19 policies before you go.
to thousands of trees of several different varieties. After picking your tree, visit with farm animals and shop for decorations.
Ann Allen Tree Farm & Shop
35 Orchardside Drive, Cranbury, NJ barclaystreefarm.com • 609-799-1855 Hours: Tree season hours to be announced. Choose from Douglas, white, and Fraser firs, as well as blue and Norway spruces. Saws, rope, and netting are available.
114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ anneellenfarms.com • 732-786-9277 Hours: daily, 9am-8pm. First day of tree season to be announced. Located on 50 acres, the farm is home 24 December 2021 • siparent.com
Bear Swamp Farm
81 Otterhole Road, Milford, NJ bearswampfarmnj.com • 973-697-2541 Hours: Nov. 26 and Saturday-Sunday through Dec. 11, 9am-3pm This quaint organic farm lets visitors find and cut their own tree or purchase a pre-cut one.
Barclay’s Christmas Tree Farm
Bullock Farms
83 Emleys Hill Road, Cream Ridge, NJ bullockfarms.com • 609-758-8726 Hours: Tree season opens Nov. 26; FridaySunday, 9am-5pm A mainstay in the area since 1860, this 100-acre farm specializes in cut-your-own trees, bagged feed, and straw. There’s also a craft and gift shop on-site.
Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm
231 Adamic Hill Road, Milford, NJ charliebrownschristmastreefarm.com 908-995-4365 Hours: Tree season opens Nov. 26; check the website for updated hours. This 40-acre farm is veteran-owned. Decorated wreaths, grave blankets, roping, and holiday decorations are also for sale.
